Friday, July 13, 2018

[499] MTSU, Valparaiso discuss transfer of law school to Murfreesboro

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee
State University and Valparaiso University announced Friday that it has entered
into a non-binding letter of intent to transfer Valparaiso’s American Bar
Association-accredited law school from Indiana to the Murfreesboro campus.

University leaders emphasized that these
discussions are preliminary, however, as both MTSU and Valparaiso determine
whether such a move would be in the best interests of their respective
stakeholders.

If MTSU and Valparaiso move forward with the
transfer, it would require approval from the governing boards of each
institution, as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

“Our exploration of this proposal is in keeping
with MTSU’s tradition and strategic priority of pursuing innovative
partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for our students, our region
and our state,” MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said.

McPhee noted that it would be akin to a gift and
MTSU would not be buying the law school or merging with Valparaiso. As far as a
physical location, the Andrew Woodfin Miller Education Center on Bell Street
has emerged as a potential option, he said.

Founded in 1879, the Valparaiso University School
of Law has a long and distinguished history of public service and a
demonstrated commitment to diversity. It embraces law as a calling to
leadership and, like MTSU, it is also known for its commitment to experiential
education.